by Neil Anderson

August 31

Titus 3:14
Let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

We all have basic human needs to feel loved, accepted and worthwhile. When these needs go unmet, it’s very important that we express them to our family members and fellow Christians in a positive way and allow others to minister to those needs. I believe that one basis for temptation is unmet legitimate needs. When you are too proud to say, “I don’t feel loved.” or when you push others away by saying, “You don’t love me anymore,” your need for love goes unmet. So Satan comes along with a tempting alternative: “Your wife doesn’t love you like you deserve. But have you noticed the affectionate gleam in your secretary’s eye?”

Other than Himself, God’s primary resource for meeting your needs and keeping you pure is other believers. The problem is that many go to Sunday school, church and Bible study wearing a sanctimonious mask. Wanting to appear strong and together, they rob themselves of the opportunity of having their needs met in the warmth and safety of the Christian community. In the process, they rob the community of the opportunity to minister to their needs. By denying the fellowship of believers the privilege of meeting your legitimate needs, you are acting independently of God. You are vulnerable to the temptation of thinking that you can have your needs met in the world, the flesh and the devil.

Instead, follow the guidance of Hebrews 10:24, 25: “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me the humility to confess my needs and hurts to my Christian family in order to allow You to meet my needs in Your way.